Prison Break [Complete]

[Fierce Demon]

"Ooof!"

Slamming against the wall of one of the many prison cells in the Gerudo Fortress was a man that would one day be known as the greatest pirate in Hyrule. But for now he was just Zect another person captured by the Gerudos and placed in a jail cell until further notice.

From what he was told back in the castle town square, the Gerudos would eventually take their prisoners and throw them into the desert and leave them there to die as they wandered in the blazing sun. This however was not how Zect wanted to go. For him dying of old age was a much better choice, and even then he'd rather not have that as his fate.

His left cheek was sore and bright red. Probably due to one of the Gerudo guards slapping him after he tried to charm his way out of being held captive. Given that they are a race of all females, he thought having a male compliment them would be rare and constitute a get out of jail free pass. Unfortunately she did not see it that way.

But being the quick thinker that he was he managed to use that split second to nab him the jail cell key for his grand escape. But since she was still there he couldn't go and pull the key out from his sleeve and open the door. He would just have to wait until she left her post which wasn't gonna happen anytime soon. And the chances of her napping on the job was lower than the price of a Deku stick.

Off in the corner of the wall across from his jail cell were his weapons that had been confiscated. He had hoped that they would at least let him keep his masks but they were suspicious of those.

For now he just sat down and rested against the wall rubbing his cheek.

[Merik Dragmire]

Every so often, when the King was feeling very generous (usually after a very successful raid), he would visit the prison of the Fortress and find out if any of the prisoner's would serve well aboard the Defiant or any of the other ships that served under his banner. Though he had learned early on that prisoners were liable to say anything when given the option of freedom and so...

With a clang the cell door opened as a sandy haired, tan skinned man was thrown against the wall next to Zect, though he was only there for a second before he bounced back at the bars.

"YOU DAMNABLE, DESERT RAT, WORTHLESS WENCHES! YOU GOT NO RIGHT TO LOCK ME UP HERE!!!" he roared at the guard before he found himself staring down a blade through the bars.

"Call me a 'desert rat wench' again and being locked up will be the least of your worries." the woman growled in response as the man glared at her and slowly backed away.

As he turned back into the cell he seemed to notice the Hylian for the first time.

"How ya doin?" he asked with a slight nod at the other man.

[Fierce Demon]

Another man captured and taken in by the femme fatales known as the Gerudos. It seemed with this one though his mouth must have gotten him in more trouble than anything. But considering the treatment they had been given, being ungentlemanly with them would be normal.

With a cocky grin he replied, "I've been better I suppose."

From the rugged appearance this man didn't look to be a Hylian like himself. He wasn't sure but he guessed that he was another 'human' type that were populous in Hyrule.

"I don't suppose YOU were treated with the royal welcome as well mate?"

As you could see Zect was completely unaware of the fact that this man was the king of not only the Gerudos who ran this prison, but he was staring face to face at the king of pirates. In the future he would look back at this and just laugh a little.

[Merik Dragmire]

Merik slumped down against the wall adjusting his cloak to provide a bit more cushioning against the stone floor as the Hylian spoke.

"I crossed the desert to find these crazy women so I could offer'em the deal of the century. And when I get here and put before their leader I explain in nice simple words how my crew's been picking up a lotta goods lately and we're looking to set up a post here where them Gerudo can sell the stuff for us. Then I tell'em that we'll split the earnings 70/30. Well the leader, she gets all upset about this saying 'those aren't fair shares, it should be an even split, blah blah blah' to which I ask 'How is that not fair? It's my boys that are 'obtaining' the goods and that have to transport'em across the bleedin desert, all the Gerudo have to do is sit there, look pretty and sell the merchandise.' Well the next thing I know I'm staring at a lot of weapons and the crazy women are tossin' me in jail. It's an outright travesty that they're allowed to treat people like this." he growled as he gave the unseen guard a very impolite salute before turning back to his cellmate.

"So what's your story? They catch you with your sights set on treasure just a bit too far south, if ya follow?"

[Caramon Zero]

I get thrown down the stairs after being stripped of my armor, and the wall at the end ends up being my brakes.
As I try to stand, a blade flashes in front of my eyes as I'm struck across the face with its hilt.

"Filthy creature! Get up!" the Gerudo woman screams at me.

As I stand proudly like a true man should in the face of his captors, I can't help but wonder why I'm still alive after being caught trying to find out what had become of the Cap'n since he came here.
I look into her eyes, unable to say anything, as I feel that if I flirt with her, I may lose something very important...

As she shoves me into the cell, I happen to find out what had become of the Cap'n, as he's sitting right next to me... after I collide with the cell wall...

"Stay in there, it's where you belong, mongrel." she says as she leaves without another word or gesture.

After regaining my senses, I turn to my cellmates and then tilt my head back and laugh my deep, boisterous laugh.

Well my friends, it seems we all share a similar predicament, as ironic as it might be.

On a better note, I'm glad to see that you're well Cap'n, well, besides the being in a cell part.

And who're you?
Did you try to negotiate with them too?
Or maybe you just went went around chasing skirts?

Out of the blue, my tone gets unusually serious.

Either way, we've gotta figure out a way to get out of here.
Do either of you have any ideas as to how we accomplish that?

[Fierce Demon]

It would have been very improper and beneath him to do something so outrageously vulgar as stare at a lady's body in such a way. As he was about to explain his situation to the man yet another male who had been captured by the Gerudos was thrown into the jail cell making it quite the crowded spot.

From what Zect could see this other man was an acquaintance of the person who had been thrown in before him. He also heard him be called Capt'n which meant that his suspicions were right. These two were undoubtedly pirates. It was starting to make sense now, but it seemed off that pirates would be all the way out here in the desert. But he himself was a pirate in his own right and his travels brought him here. Although his reasons for being here were in search of a special treasure and not bartering with an all female warrior tribe.

This man also seemed to confuse Zect with some kind of lowlife lecher chasing around skirts all day. He had to make it clear once and for all.

"Ahem, I have nothing against these women, but I don't have time to be ogling foreigners of the opposite gender. I was simply caught by one of the tribeswomen after wandering near this area."

Either way, we've gotta figure out a way to get out of here.
Do either of you have any ideas as to how we accomplish that?


Zecht quietly responded, "Even if we HAD a means of escape, with that irritated guard over there it would be next to impossible to escape. My guess is they took away all your weapons and items before throwing you in here. Am I correct?"

[Merik Dragmire]

"Gentlemen, simply be patient and have a little faith that things will turn out right. There are a lot of Gerudo between us and freedom if we were to try and break out and chances of survival are fairly slim. On the otherhand if we were to sit and wait one of my lieutenants, who happens to be Gerudo, will be along in a day or two to explain the miscommunication and get us out. Until then we can just enjoy the Gerudo hospitality and the fact that we aren't chained to posts and roasting in the desert sun right now like how they used to treat prisoners." Merik said calmly and quietly as he smirked at his companions before turning coldly serious as he looked at his bosun. "Although Caramon, when all's said and done I am going to want to know why you disobeyed my orders when I said only Layla was to seek me out if I failed to return."

The King was silent for a short time as he seemed to be contemplating the matter before them before glancing at Zect again.

"So I'm going to lay a guess that you're a treasure hunter...there aren't many reasons to actually head out into the desert unless you're specifically hoping to meet with the Gerudo, and most of those reasons tend to revolve around legends of hidden treasures beneath the almost endless sea of sand...so were you looking for something in particular or just hoping to get lucky and discover something incredibly ancient and valuable?"

[Fierce Demon]

"My sights are set on obtaining a one of a kind artifact that is rumored to have made its way to this desert. Theres no other reason why I would be caught anywhere near this hellish place."

Zecht looked over at the guard and then back at the pirate.

"I can also assume that you gentlemen are treasure seekers yourselves otherwise known as pirates?"

They need not try to hide this fact, it was clearly obvious that they were. And their reason for being here also proved it. No normal merchant would be caught trying to make a deal with a tribe known for being thieves unless there was some shady work afoot on their part.

"Gentleman I don't know about you, but I do not wish to sit here for the next two days and wait for someone to decide my own fate." Pulling out the key he had taken from the guard from his sleeve but making sure that she wouldn't see it he looked at the two fellow prisoners. "I for one would like to be the judge of that."

[Caramon Zero]

Turning to Merik (although to me it seems weird to call him by name, even in my thoughts) I let out a sigh.

"Your Majesty," if I may be so bold as to ask why you were imprisoned, as you're supposed to be the leader of all these women, or did something happen while I was away on leave?

As I see the key flashing before my eyes, I almost want to take it and use it right away, but I regain my composure, stand up, stretch my wings for a second, sit back down, and look up at the ceiling.

Then what's your plan?
I need to know more about what we're doing, or we might end up being caught again, and then we may end up having worse done to us...

If things go well, and if he allows it, I will aid you on your search.
Sound like a deal?

[Merik Dragmire]

Just like that the game was up and the illusion shattered. As Merik shook his head completely bemused, his hair and skin quickly took on their normal colors as he rose to his feet once more.

"And that is why Layla is the only one who is supposed to come here if I don't return on time. Ah well, guess my vacation's over already." he said with a quick laugh as he walked to the cell door and looked at the guard as she began to approach. "Nice touch with the sword by the way, I was really not expecting that."

"In all honesty Highness, I almost gave you a mark to remember it by...you were pushing just a little too much this time."

"I'll keep that in mind next time, try to keep a sharper eye on the key next time we have guests." he retorted as he used his own key to open the door. Before stepping out and facing the other two. "Aye Mister Treasure Hunter we are indeed pirates, myself the 'King of...', and this is my desert, mostly populated by my warrior cousins, myself once again 'King of...'. And my guard is going to need her key back before we proceed."

(OOC: And here we have Merik right after Caramon's question)

[Caramon Zero]

I sigh in both relief and regret.

I'm sorry Cap'n...
I suppose that my curiosity got the better of me...
I'd heard many things while I was looking for more crew members, which, by the way, was a complete and utter failure, and I'm sorry to have failed my mission M'Lord, things I heard made me wish to find the crew once again, and I has heard rumor of you going to your desert outpost, so I thought I'd stop by and see how things were while I was away.
I never went by the ship first, as I wanted to check on the man I'd come to know as a brother, and make sure he wasn't getting into to much trouble at home.
But I suppose I ruined your plans Cap'n, and I apologize, as I didn't know anything was going on, and I thought your women had rebelled, so I decided to try to sneak in and break you out, but I got caught because you know how to train these women well.

I turn to the other man with a smile as I stand up and offer my hand.

So then, that takes care of that, would you like to start searching now my new friend?

[Fierce Demon]

The moment was almost too good to be true. Here he was talking to one of the most famous pirates in this era and leader of the Gerudo tribe himself. Merik Dragmire was a name he had heard alot even before Zecht had began his new life as a pirate. Many of the high class land owners and merchants had complained about the pirate king ruining their businesses. He never expected to meet him face to face, and under these circumstances.

He was curious as to why the disguise when he was in his own territory. Was he simply doing it for laughs? The other man who seemed to be one of his lackeys must have been completely unaware of this and thus ruined the game Merik was having.

Still why did they attack this man if he was one of the pirate kings men? Perhaps he was causing too much of a ruckus. Or perhaps he wasn't that much of an important member of his crew and they simply didn't know him. It didn't matter anyways.

It took about three seconds to take everything in before Zect shot up and looked at his key which proved worthless all this time. Tossing it back to the guard he gave a sly smirk at her, dusted off his jacket and looked over at Merik.

Pirate King or not Zecht knew all too well to not trust pirates even if you were one yourself. But he knew he couldn't be rude to someone that probably hadn't done anything to him. He had to play along with this for the time being.
"An interesting trick you had going there. I wasn't aware that the infamous pirate king had the ability to change his form. It almost seemed pointless to nab that key in the first place."

[Merik Dragmire]

"I wouldn't say it was pointless so much as you were lucky enough to be captured on a day that I happened to be making one of my recruitment visits." Merik replied as he led them to where their equipment was kept.

"And you, my friend Caramon, YOU just happened to get mixed up in a...lets say game, that very few aboard know about. My guards here saw the Charm and thought you were taking part...clearly I'll need to make sure that they don't make that mistake again." he continued as he stood against the wall and watched the other two reclaim their possessions. "And also yes, you have permission to go aid this gentleman with his treasure hunt. And on that matter: unless this artifact arrived in my land in the last few years, it's more than likely that you'll find it in the hands of the Hylian Knights. Along with the lives of many of my people they laid claim to whatever treasures they could scavenge during the Hundred Year War and I have yet to see any of it returned to the rightful owners."

[Caramon Zero]

I begin to don my armor as I think back on what just happened, and can't help but smile.

Well, even though you could say I'm in the top 13 of your entire crew of quite a few, I AM still a Hybrid, and I thought that was the basis of my capture, as most people don't trust my kind, yet I actually thought it was fun to be tossed around by someone other than the seas.

And thank you Captain, I believe you just gave me a grand idea.
Why don't we recruit him, and go save the people who were taken by the Knights, as well as recover your people's stolen treasure?

I turn to each man, and then sigh.

Well, as long as both of you'd be alright with that plan, that is.
Or am I just crazy for asking?

[Fierce Demon]

"Gentleman I hate to be the negative one, but I'd rather not get caught up in matters that don't concern me."

Zect had only one goal being here and that was to find his ancient artifact. Liberating the Gerudos and taking back their treasure from the Hylian Knights wasn't that. And now there was talk of recruiting him into Meriks crew. While the idea didn't seem so bad, his journey was far different than theirs. And the booty was much more precious than anything else.

"Especially one that deals with the Hylian Knights. There's nothing for me to gain from it."

Zect paused for a moment to think. He was concerned however that the Hylian Knights may have what he was looking for. The other treasure wasn't important but if they DID have it then it would prove problematic for him. For now it may be worthwhile to have the pirate hybrid join him. He could go and save their people all he wants, Zect just needed to get he he came here for.

He looked back at the two and grinned. "However, I feel as though you may be on to something. The knights may indeed have what I am looking for. It would be wise to not go alone in order to retrieve it."

[Merik Dragmire]

"Those who were taken prisoner have long since passed to the Goddess..." Merik said to Caramon, a hint of regret in his voice as he turned his attention to the Hylian's comment. "So luckily for you, you don't have to get involved in any sort of conflict. If the Knight's took your artifact during the war there are two places that it is likely to be and if it is in either it might as well be on the moon. It could have been taken and stored at the barracks that the Knight's kept in the Arbiter's Ground, however the prison has long been abandoned and sealed by the Knights...only the restless dead still roam there. The second place it could be is the Knight's headquarters in Hyrule Castle, or possibly the Castle's vaults. Though this is assuming that the Knight's did find your treasure and that one of the Knight's didn't take it as a personal prize in which case it could be anywhere."

He led them through the prison towards the surface, silent as he contemplated the treasure hunt.

"I would advise you to forget this object Hylian; whether buried in the desert or in the grasp of the Knight's the odds are incredibly great that you will only find death in your search."

He opened the door at the entrance of the prison and smiled to feel the desert's warmth on him once more.

[Fierce Demon]

Amused by Meriks words Zect let out a cocky chuckle. If the thought of death was enough to stop his search for his treasure, Zect would have given up years ago when he first ventured off. He thought for a while about the two places that the pirate king spoke of. While both seemed to be likely places that the mask would be located, his Intel had confirmed that this mask was located in one place.

"I'm afraid Your Highness is underestimating me. There isn't a treasure worth obtaining if a great risk wasn't involved now and then now is there? Believe me when I say the prize is worth the risk mate. Should I end up perishing along the way it would only prove that I was not worthy of obtaining such a prize."


Stepping in front of the two he looked over at the sandy ocean before him. Off to the southwest lay the Gerudo Mesa, the area he had intended on going in the first place.

"I bet anything that those fools didn't discover where the artifact lay. If the Hylian Knights had discovered it, I would have known already and wouldn't be wasting my time here. No the place where I believe it lies is in a much more challenging place, one those weaklings wouldn't dare to enter. The Cave of Ordeals."

[Merik Dragmire]

Merik started laughing as the Hylian indicated that he meant to make his way out to the Mesa.

"Now I know that you truly do seek death if you're looking to go to the Cave of Ordeals...it must truly be some treasure you seek. I've entered that place twice and both times barely managed to leave with my life intact. If all you have are those swords and bombs I'd say turn back now...for a time at least." the Gerudo said as his laughter died away and he turned serious once more.

"That cave is magically contained and has changed itself to suit dozens of types of monsters, you'll want to make sure you have the equipment to handle just about any creature you've ever seen in Hyrule because odds are you will encounter them inside. And if the item you seek is as powerful as you seem to think then it's bound to be deep within. Make sure you're ready when you go in because if you don't have the supplies you need to progress you may not have supplies to escape to try again later."

[Caramon Zero]

As I take this all in, I can't help but feel the rush of energy bubbling up inside of me as I let out another of my deep, hardy laughs.

I guess that settles it then!
We now have our heading!
Let us set forth for Honor, Adventure, and Treasures galore!
Onward, my companions, we set off for the Cave of Ordeals at sunset![/b][/i]

I stop and turn to the two with a puzzled grin.

...Right guys...?[/i][/color]

[Fierce Demon]

Confused by the sudden dramatic burst from Caramon, Zect brushed it off as just his way of trying to sound cool for the moment. In any case this person seemed motivated enough to go with Zect to the Cave of Ordeals with him. Merik didn't seem like venturing along, but it wasn't that big of a deal to Zect. He did however take into consideration what the pirate king told him. It wasn't going to stop Zect from still going down there though, he was just going to have to be more cautious when they got there.

"You underestimate me yet again. Bombs and swords are not the only items I carry with me."

This was true. Zect still had his two demon masks that were his true weapons. They had a limit on their uses but if used right they proved their worth. He wasn't sure about the other guy tagging along and what he had, but he must've carried something useful.

"I can see that your majesty does not intend on visiting the Gerudo Mesa which is fine. If that is the case I bid you farewell. Hopefully our paths shall cross again in the future."